International Collaboration Highlights Quality Assurance in Higher Education
Erasmus+ KA2 Program Supports IQAinAP Study Visit at Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University
Baku, Azerbaijan – October 6, 2023
The Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University (ASPU) played host to an impactful week-long conference and study visit from October 2 to 6, as part of the Erasmus+ KA2-funded project, Internal Quality Assurance in Azerbaijan Project (IQAinAP). This initiative brought together a diverse group of academic leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from Azerbaijan and abroad to advance the development of robust quality assurance systems in Azerbaijani higher education institutions (HEIs).
A Grand Opening: Networking and Knowledge Exchange
The program commenced on October 2 with a formal welcome dinner, providing an opportunity for participants from various institutions to network and build connections in an informal setting. The dinner set the tone for a week filled with collaboration and exchange of ideas.
The highlight of the visit was a conference on October 3, attended by high-ranking officials, including representatives from the Ministry of Science and Education, the National Erasmus+ Office, and several international experts.
Keynote speeches during the opening ceremony included:
- Prof. Jafar Jafarov, Rector of ASPU, who reaffirmed the university’s dedication to academic excellence through strategic international partnerships.
- Parviz Baghirov, Head of the National Erasmus+ Office, who emphasized the critical role of international collaboration in establishing sustainable quality assurance frameworks.
- Maggie Feng from Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences (WUAS), who shared case studies showcasing successful quality assurance models from European HEIs.
- Representatives from the Agency for Quality Assurance in Education, who discussed innovative strategies to address local challenges in Azerbaijani HEIs.
The discussions during the conference focused on the outcomes of Work Package 1 (WP1), which assessed the current needs and gaps in quality assurance systems in Azerbaijani universities. These findings set the stage for developing strategic solutions in subsequent work packages.
In-Depth Study Visit and Collaborative Planning
The week featured intensive sessions aimed at shaping the next phases of the IQAinAP project. Key focus areas included:
- WP2: Expanding partnerships and planning an upcoming study visit to Murcia, Spain, to further explore successful international practices.
- WP3: Developing comprehensive training materials and methodologies tailored to quality assurance in Azerbaijani HEIs.
- WP4: Finalizing project outputs and reflecting on progress during the closing ceremony.
Participants also engaged in a guided tour of Baku’s Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This cultural experience allowed international attendees to connect with Azerbaijan’s rich history and traditions, fostering a deeper appreciation of the host country.
Impact and Future Plans
This study visit marked a significant milestone in the IQAinAP project, reinforcing the importance of global cooperation in achieving academic excellence. "The outcomes of this visit are pivotal in shaping the future of academic quality and ensuring that Azerbaijani universities align with international standards," remarked Rauf Abdul of WUAS during his closing speech.
The program concluded on October 6 with a certificate ceremony, celebrating the contributions and achievements of all participants. The next steps involve continuing collaborative efforts, including the study visit to Spain and the ongoing development of innovative quality assurance practices.
As participants departed on October 7, they carried forward a shared commitment to advancing higher education quality, bolstered by strengthened international partnerships and the collective expertise of the IQAinAP network.
Contact Information
For more details about the project, please contact:
Gunay Maharramova
Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University
Email: gunay.maharramova@adpu.edu.az
This initiative is part of the broader mission of the Erasmus+ KA2 program to foster innovation and excellence in education through international collaboration.
